The first in a series of history lectures will take place Thursday at 7 p.m. at the Old Manassas Courthouse, 9248 Lee Ave., Manassas.
"Always Ready: The United States Marine Corps Involvement at Harpers Ferry" leads off the free 2010 History Lecture Series sponsored by the Prince William County Department of Public Works, Historic Preservation Division.
On Oct. 16, 1859, raiders struck the United States weapons arsenal at Harpers Ferry. Led by abolitionist John Brown, they intended to capture the weapons stored there and use the guns to incite a slave rebellion in the South.
Marines from the Washington Barracks and nearby Naval Yard were called to put down the insurrection.
Gunnery Sgt. Thomas E. Williams of the Marine Corps Historical Company will give an overview of the events of that day from the perspective of the Marines. He will also speak briefly about the upcoming exhibition at the Na-tional Museum of the U.S. Marine Corps.
On Feb. 11 at 7 p.m., "The Birth of Virginia's Aristocracy" is the topic of a presentation by author and noted historian James Thompson who will highlight events and individuals connected with the birth of the state's aristocracy, a process that began in 1620 and ended in 1700. The discussion will be animated with a collection of illustrations and portraits. His new book of the same name will be for sale.
The last session in the month will be on Feb. 25 at 7 p.m. and Deborah Lee will speak about the "Underground Railroad in Northern Virginia," specifically sites along the Journey Through Hallowed Ground National Heritage Area. Lee will highlight people and places that showed how many in the region resisted slavery or assisted others in their escape to freedom.
On March 25 at 7 p.m., local historian Art Candenquist will take the audience back to the early days of the Civil War when Prince William County found itself in the front lines of the conflict. He will discuss the creation and usage of the Confederate Centreville Railroad, the first military railroad in U.S. history.
The final series is "Faces of the American Civil War" on April 29 at 7 p.m. and will feature historian, author and lecturer Ron Coddington discussing photography and its role in capturing images of soldiers who fought for the Union or Confederacy.
The lectures are free but donations are appreciated.
Staff writer Bennie Scarton Jr. can be reached at 703-369-6707.
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